Automatic analyzing apparatus

Abstract

According to one embodiment, an automatic analyzing apparatus includes a probe and a liquid level detector. The liquid level detector is electrically connected to the probe and detects contact between the probe and a liquid surface, wherein the liquid level detector comprises an adjuster configured to adjust electrostatic capacitance of one or more capacitors for circuitry for use in liquid level detection.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. An automatic analyzing apparatus, comprising:
 a probe; and 
 liquid level detection circuitry electrically connected to the probe and configured to detect contact between the probe and a liquid surface, 
 wherein the liquid level detection circuitry comprises an adjuster configured to adjust an electrostatic capacitance of one or more capacitors of the liquid level detection circuitry. 
 
     
     
       2. The automatic analyzing apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the adjuster is further configured to adjust the electrostatic capacitance by ON/OFF-switching one or more of the one or more capacitors in the liquid level detection circuitry. 
     
     
       3. The automatic analyzing apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the liquid level detection circuitry includes bridge circuitry, and the adjuster is further configured to adjust the electrostatic capacitance by ON/OFF-switching one or more of the one or more capacitors connected to the bridge circuitry. 
     
     
       4. The automatic analyzing apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a piercer needle to make a hole in a lid of a sample container, the piercer needle adapted so that the probe can be inserted through the piercer needle, and 
 a drive mechanism configured to drive the piercer needle, 
 wherein the adjuster is further configured to adjust variations in electrostatic capacitance due to the piercer needle. 
 
     
     
       5. The automatic analyzing apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a heater configured to heat a liquid in the probe, and 
 a conductive member between the heater and the probe, 
 wherein the adjuster is further configured to adjust variations in the electrostatic capacitance due to the conductive member. 
 
     
     
       6. The automatic analyzing apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the liquid level detection circuitry is further configured to detect a change in an amplitude and a phase of a signal which occurs along with a change in impedance due to contact between the probe and the liquid surface, and adjust a voltage value based on the signal to a predetermined value while the probe and the liquid surface are not in contact with each other. 
     
     
       7. The automatic analyzing apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the adjuster comprises a plurality of switches, the one or more capacitors, a switch controller, and determining circuitry,
 the switches are electrically connected to components of the liquid level detection circuitry, and to the one or more capacitors, respectively, and 
 the switch controller is configured to control ON and OFF of the switches according to an input from the determining circuitry.